Indie Watch: Avary

Indie Watch is our regular series that looks at all of the amazing talents working the independent circuits around the world.Some are veterans revitalizing their careers, some are indie prospects hitting their peaks, while others are names to be on the watch for! This edition looks at Australian star and upcoming Stardom 5 ★ GP 2019 competitor Avary.

During an era highlighted by social movements such as #MeToo, Gender Equality, #GiveDivasAChance and the Women’s Revolution the professional wrestling industry has taken a dramatic turn for female competitors. Prior to this shift the women would often be relegated to the role of valet or placed into overtly sexualised matches (such as mud wrestling or bra & panties matches). Now though, a majority of the competitors are seen as legitimate athletes on an equal level to their male counterparts. One woman on the Australian wrestling scene though is bucking this trend as she attempts to fuse elements from the two eras into her persona and performance. That woman is Melbourne’s Avary.

Photo: Stardom

For the uninitiated Avary is best known for her work in Melbourne City Wrestling (MCW), where she works as a singles competitor and also as part of The Brat Pack (Mitch Waterman & Nick Bury) faction. When fans first encounter Avary perhaps the most striking element of her presentation is her trademark high-cut shorts. When speaking with Avary though it became clear that the majority of the controversy surrounding her sexualised presentation comes more so from the people watching rather than from herself or other fellow performers.

“I’ve always been of the mindset that I can be empowered with my clothes off. I’ve actually never felt more empowered than when I’m in the ring,” Avary explained before adding, “Everything I do in the ring is by my own accord so I think some people need to get over the fact that we are a woman with our bodies out. Of course, that doesn’t mean that you can treat us anyway you like, instead you should simply appreciate it.”

Whilst Avary first grabbed attention due to her visual presentation her reputation has evolved over time. In more recent times Avary has also become known for her hard-hitting style. Avary has also developed somewhat of a penchant for hardcore matches, which involve various weapons such as chairs, screwdrivers and even a cactus in one particular match.

“Once I started getting into the ring with women like Bea Priestley and Toni Storm I realised I really enjoyed that ‘strong style’ of wrestling,” recalled Avary. “From there it was a slow progression towards the hardcore stuff. Now the second spiky things come out it gets me so excited because there is no bigger adrenaline rush than a hardcore match.”

Avary’s unique blend of sexuality with aggression has seen her standout on the Australian scene. Most recently by being a standout performing in Melbourne Avary earned opportunities to square off with international stars Session Moth Martinaand Millie McKenzie.

Stay tuned to the Last Word on Pro Wrestling for more on this and other stories from around the world of wrestling, as they develop. You can always count on LWOPW to be on top of the major news in the wrestling world, as well as to provide you with analysis, previews, videos, interviews, and editorials on the wrestling world.

Jamie Apps has been working as a newspaper editor for a number of years covering everything from music, comedy, theatre, film and wrestling in Sydney, Australia.
Jamie has been following the Australian independent wrestling scene for a decade, and as such will give you unparalleled insight into the blossoming scene down under.